Growth, biochemical and physiological response of grapevine rootstocks to copper excess in nutrient solution

Abstract

Frequent applications of cupric fungicides on grapevines increase copper (Cu) content in vineyard soils, and can lead to phytotoxicity, mainly in young grapevines. Thus, is necessary to identify rootstocks that are tolerant to Cu excess, as well as understanding the mechanisms against high Cu concentrations. The aim of this study was to assess the growth, biochemical and physiological response of grapevine rootstocks to Cu excess in nutrient solution. Two experiments were carried out: Experiment 1 used Vitis rotundifolia cv. Magnolia rootstocks and Experiment 2 used Paulsen 1103 (Vitis berlandieri X Vitis rupestris) rootstocks. The rootstocks were cultivated with different Cu concentrations in nutrient solution (in µM): 0.12; 20; 40 and 80. The high Cu concentrations had negative effect on growth of both grapevine rootstocks. The highest Cu concentrations were observed in roots in both rootstocks. Magnolia rootstock showed the greatest tolerance to Cu excess in nutrient solution, with less absorbed Cu as well as less Cu translocation to shoots. Hydrogen peroxide concentrations and lipid peroxidation increased in shoots and roots of both rootstocks with increased Cu concentrations. The size and rusticity of Magnolia plants may have influenced their response to the excess of Cu in the solution in comparison to Paulsen plants.